Expats Flock To The Emerald Isle For Incredible Housing Deals

International credit agency Fitch has stated that it now expects
property prices in Ireland to fall 60 percent from the peak
values of 2007.

The agency had previously predicted values to halve.

For the last couple of years, the Irish papers have been full of
similar statistics.

While the situation on the island is painful for many
homeowners who find themselves now in negative equity, if you
don’t yet own on the Emerald Isle but would like to, this could
be the time to start paying attention.

Until the past few months, the problem had been that sellers and
agents hadn't yet learned to let go of their peak-value thinking.
Properties were still being listed at hugely inflated and wholly
unrealistic prices.

As a
foreign buyer looking at the market, you had your work cut
out for you. How could you know where to start with an offer?

Now, five years on from the start of the collapse, the market is
finally starting to make sense. The prices listed in agents'
windows and on the web today are far more realistic, reflective
of both Fitch's outlook and the figures for which properties are
actually changing hands.

Does this mean it's time to jump in and buy a place of your own
in this country? There's likely still room for more leveling in
this marketplace. However, if you have your heart set on a
foothold in Ireland, this is the time to start looking.

To give you an idea of what's possible, here are some examples of
properties on offer in some of the most appealing and
sought-after spots around this country that hold something
special for the discerning expat or retiree:

200-year-old Georgian house with stables in
Graiguenamanagh, County Kilkenny.

On the banks of the River Barrow, "Graigue" is a tranquil, scenic
village that's a favorite stop-off for bargers and a haven for
fishermen. With mountain views, the house has five bedrooms, four
bathrooms, a sitting room, kitchen, dining room, gardens,
orchard, courtyard, stables, and stone outbuildings that could
serve many uses. Price: 310,000 euro (about $415,000).

Muir Cottage at Kilmore Quay, County Wexford.

Despite its best efforts, County Wexford, particularly the
southern area and coast, is largely overlooked by tourists. Those
in the know head to Kilmore Quay in summer for its long,
half-moon stretch of white-sand beach, pretty harbor, and
friendly cafés and restaurants.

This three-bedroom cottage, with island views, has been
refurbished to maintain its original features. On a half-acre,
it's ideal as either a vacation or full-time home. Price: 139,000
euro (about $185,000).

Lodge and cottage on the Ring of Kerry.

Riverstar Lodge in Kenmare is a two-bedroom home with an
adjoining two-bedroom cottage. On 3.2 acres, it's on a quiet
cul-de-sac with views over the Blackwater Valley. The main house
has an open-plan kitchen/dining/living area, conservatory,
bathroom, and two bedrooms.

The cottage has a kitchen, living room, sun room, shower room,
and two bedrooms. The property also includes a number of
outhouses. Price: 185,000 euro (about $250,000).

Stone house in Kenmare Town.

If village living is more your style, there's a charming little
stone property in Kenmare proper, in need of modernization, for
just 80,000 euro (about $110,000).

Period apartment in South Dublin.

Dublin property still commands the highest prices, especially the
south of the county. But who could fail to be charmed by this
one-bedroom apartment-style home in Blackrock?

Just 63 square meters, laid out over two floors, it has a
living/dining room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, patio off the
kitchen, 10.5-foot-high sash windows, and many period features
throughout. Price: 160,000 euro (about $215,000).

Again, these are properties in some of the best locations
throughout the country. A little looking can find you many
cheaper options, too. For country-wide listings, www.daft.ie
is a great starting point.